Seeing wavy lines instead of straight ones is a hallmark of metamorphopsia. It usually indicates macular or retinal pathology.
Macular Causes
Age‑related macular degeneration, epiretinal membrane, macular oedema, and central serous chorioretinopathy commonly distort central vision. Traction, fluid, or scarring in the macula disrupts the orderly arrangement of photoreceptors.
- Patients may first notice distortion when reading or looking at tiles or door frames
- Symptoms are often more obvious when one eye is tested at a time
- Onset can be gradual or relatively sudden depending on cause
- Amsler grid testing highlights wavy or missing lines
Urgency
New wavy lines should prompt prompt macular evaluation with OCT imaging. Early treatment of many macular diseases improves prognosis.
- Intravitreal injections, laser, or surgery may be indicated
- Systemic control of diabetes or blood pressure supports outcomes
- Delays risk permanent central vision loss
- Low‑vision aids help those with residual distortion
